Between Halloween decorations being put away and Christmas ones coming out, we get to step back and say, “thanks.” When I was growing up there was a song my parents played by the Ray Coniff Singers that reminds me how fortunate I am. It says, in part, “And when we worry and we can’t sleep; We’ll count our blessings instead of sheep; And we’ll fall asleep counting our blessings; And when our bankroll is getting small; We’ll think about the time when we had none at all; And we’ll fall asleep counting our blessings.”*

This year, though not financially fruitful for me, has been rich nonetheless. I have a fantastic job and get to work with talented and dedicated people who are as enthusiastic as I am (I think anyway) to get up in the morning to find out what’s going on in the Crescenta Valley, then have the opportunity to report those findings to our community. I know too many people who are unhappy with their job and too many people who don’t even have a job.

Here at the CV Weekly, it is not uncommon for folks to drop us a line telling us how much they enjoy the paper and how they look forward to it. What a blessing to hear that! Just this week, a friend of the CVW stopped by the office to pass out Thanksgiving treats. Amy first stopped at Dream Dinners to purchase goodies from Lissa and Sharmel, sharing lemon drop cookies and apple crisp with us. How grateful am I to share these treats with my family as part of our Thanksgiving feast!

The irony is not lost on me, however, that as we take time on Thanksgiving to reflect on the things we have, it is a precursor to the insanity of the Christmas holidays when we hustle and bustle about trying to get more, to pick out the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones.

I, for one, think it is a sad commentary that in our eagerness to shop until we drop (have you heard that some stores are opening at 4 a.m. tomorrow, Friday?) we overlook the wonderful opportunity we have to stop and give thanks.

So to those who have supported me, personally, this past year, I say, “Thank you.” To those who have supported me, through the CV Weekly, this past year, I say, “Thank you.”

And while I may not know what the year ahead holds for me, I will remember those words of the Ray Conniff Singers: “And when we worry and we can’t sleep; We’ll count our blessings instead of sheep; And we’ll fall asleep counting our blessings; And when our bankroll is getting small; We’ll think about the time when we had none at all; And we’ll fall asleep counting our blessings.”*

Happy Thanksgiving.

*Ray Conniff Singers 04. Let It Snow!, Count Your Blessings … lyrics are property and copyright of its owners.

  column, robin goldsworthy